Black Streaks
The dark streaks running down a shingle roof are algae. They spread from the top down and make a newer roof look old. The cleaning solution breaks them down so they rinse away.
Roof Cleaning Services From a Lake Barrington Company
The tall oaks and maples that shade so many Barrington streets also keep roofs damp after rain. That shade is where black streaks and moss start, usually on the north slope and under overhanging branches.
Our roof cleaning services treat the whole roof, not just the stained patches, so the color comes back even from the ridge down to the gutters.
Soft Wash Roof Cleaning for Black Streaks and Moss
Each kind of roof growth looks different and holds on differently. A soft wash treats all of them in one visit.
Moss
Moss grows in thick green clumps between shingles on shaded slopes. It holds water against the roof. We treat it and rinse it with low pressure instead of scraping it off.
Lichen
Lichen shows up as pale green or gray spots that grip the shingle surface. A soft wash loosens it; scrubbing or high pressure would take the granules with it.
Shaded Slopes and Dormers
North-facing slopes, dormers and roof sections under trees stay damp the longest. We give them the same full treatment as the rest of the roof.
What Our Roof Cleaning Service Includes
A roof cleaning covers the full roof surface and the areas the runoff reaches:
- All slopes of the shingle roof, ridge to eaves
- Dormers, valleys and ridge caps
- Treatment of black streaks, moss and lichen
- A rinse of the siding and gutter faces below the roof
- Rinsing of plants under the drip line before and after
House washing is a separate service you can add to the same visit.
Our Roof Cleaning Process
1. Check the roof from the ground and the ladder
We look at the type of growth, the slopes that need the most work and the plants and surfaces below.
2. Protect the area below
We wet down plants and lawn under the roof edges before any solution goes on.
3. Soft wash the roof
We apply the cleaning solution at low pressure across every slope and let it work on the growth.
4. Rinse and review
We rinse the roof edges, siding and plants below, then go over the result with you.
Why Hire Elite Soft Wash for Roof Cleaning
Soft wash only on shingles
No pressure washer touches the roof surface.
The whole roof, not patches
Every slope gets the same treatment for an even color.
Based in Lake Barrington
We work on roofs across the Barrington area every season.
House and roof together
Add a soft wash house washing to the same visit.
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost in Barrington?
Roof cleaning price depends on the size and pitch of the roof, the number of stories and how much growth there is. Fixr lists roof cleaning at $450 to $700 nationally, with soft washing at $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot (market ranges, not a quote).
Send the form with your address and we will give you an exact estimate for your Barrington roof.
Source: Fixr, Roof Cleaning cost guide, updated January 31, 2025 (fixr.com)
Soft wash vs pressure wash: why roofs get the soft washRelated Services
House Washing
Clean the siding under your new-looking roof with the same soft wash method.
House Washing
Commercial Pressure Washing
Roof and building cleaning for offices, storefronts and HOA properties.
Commercial Pressure WashingRoof Cleaning Near You in the Barrington Area
We clean roofs in Barrington and Lake Barrington and in these nearby towns:
Roof Cleaning FAQ
Will roof cleaning damage my shingles?
Not with a soft wash. High pressure can loosen shingles and strip their granules, which is why we only use low pressure and a cleaning solution on roofs in Barrington.
What are the black streaks on my roof?
They are algae, and they are very common on asphalt shingle roofs. On Barrington homes they usually start on the shaded north slope and spread down the roof.
Can you remove moss from my roof?
Yes. The soft wash treats the moss so it lets go of the shingles and rinses off. On heavily shaded roofs around Lake Barrington, some dead moss can keep washing off with the next rains.
Do you clean the gutters at the same time?
Roof cleaning includes a rinse of the gutter faces below the roof. Cleaning out the inside of the gutters is not part of the service on Barrington homes.
How long does a clean roof stay clean?
It depends on shade, trees and moisture. Roofs in the open stay clean longer than roofs under heavy tree cover in Barrington. We can tell you what to expect during the estimate.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
National market ranges from Fixr put roof cleaning at $450 to $700. Your Barrington roof is priced by size, pitch and growth; send the form for an exact estimate.
Get a Free Roof Cleaning Estimate in Barrington
Tell us about your roof and what you see on it. We will get back to you with a clear estimate.
- Based in Lake Barrington, IL
- Soft wash method for siding and roofs
- Free estimates
Serving the Barrington area